Friday, December 24, 2010

Do you ever find yourself fussing about stuff that really does not matter? Complaining, whining, and fighting about stupid stuff? I have…and today I got an unpleasant reminder that life is short, we don’t know if tomorrow is coming for us. We just don’t know.

We got a phone call today, on Christmas Eve, from some old friends. Their daughter was killed last night in a tragic, horrifying auto accident. She was young, somewhere in her early twenties and was driving home with her dog to spend Christmas with her parents when the accident happened.

We used to live right next to these friends, and when their daughter was younger, we were there with them as she went through some pretty tough times. We watched her grow from a gangly little girl, to a young woman with a “take the world by the horns” attitude toward life. She was spunky and unique; she had a zest for life that seems to be missing in so many people today. One thing is for sure. When Charlene was around, things were going to be interesting.

But now I am reeling. I had just had an argument with my husband about some stupid thing that I don’t even remember. I had fussed at my daughter earlier because she keeps lapsing into talking like a baby…I nag her about it all the time, shame on me. I don’t understand why, when there are such evil people in the world that this girl, the only child of my friends, had to die.

But this I do know. God is good, all the time. I know that this accident was no surprise to God. I know that He can make good out of every evil thing. I have seen that to be true in my own life and I believe it.

So right now, I am going to cling to the things I know. This verse has been an anchor for me, in the tough times of life. I am going to cling to it again now: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:4-7 NKJV. And I am going to be on my knees for these dear friends of ours. Praying that they will find that peace of God, for it seems to me, that nothing else will do in a time like this.

A look inside:

On Living the Dream...
Since I was a kid, it has always been my dream to be a stay at home mom with lots of kids. When I was older and learned about homeschooling, I added that to my list as well. Fast forward a whole lot of years and I am finally "living my dream"! We had been married for 18 years when we adopted our first two kids and added the third a year later.
Things were rough at first, and I often asked myself if this is what I had really wanted. But God has been faithful and blessed me beyond measure! Now we have three kids, 7-11, and yes, we will welcome more (when God sees fit to bring them to us).
Things still get crazy around here, but I just try and picture Christ, sleeping in that boat amidst the storm. And I now make it a priority to spend time with Him every morning. My day just goes so much more smoothly!!
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